SECURITY
Fingerprint Unlock is convenient, but Google is clear that it is not the strongest lock. Google's Pixel Phone Help page "How to unlock your Pixel phone with your fingerprint" explains how to set it up and what to keep in mind. This guide follows that page.
Before you start: Google says some of these steps only work on Android 14 and up. The steps below are for Pixel phones, and other phone makers use different menus.
Before you add a fingerprint
Google warns that anyone whose fingerprints you add can unlock your phone and authorize purchases with your account. If other people share your phone, they should add their fingerprints from inside their own profiles.
Set up a fingerprint (Pixel 6 and later, including Fold)
- Open Settings.
- Tap Security & privacy, then Device unlock, then Fingerprint.
- Follow the on-screen steps. If you have no screen lock yet, you are asked to add a backup PIN, pattern or password.
- Scan your first fingerprint. On these phones the sensor is toward the bottom of the display: put your finger on the fingerprint icon, wait for it to light up and vibrate, then press and hold firmly and follow the prompts to capture the edges and tips.
Pixel 5a (5G) and earlier
The first three steps are the same. For the scan, put your finger on the sensor on the phone, not on the screen, and hold the phone as you normally do when unlocking it.
What Google says about security
- A fingerprint can be less secure than a strong PIN, pattern or password.
- A copy of your fingerprint could be used to unlock your phone, and you leave fingerprints on many things you touch.
- Remember your backup PIN, pattern or password. You need it sometimes, such as after a restart or if your fingerprint is not recognized.
- You can add up to 4 fingerprints.
- Your fingerprint data is stored securely, never leaves your phone, and is not shared with Google or apps.
When the phone asks for your backup instead
Google says you must use your backup PIN, pattern or password after the fingerprint is not recognized after a few tries, after a restart, when you switch to a different user, and when more than 72 hours have passed since you last unlocked with the backup method.
Remove or rename a fingerprint
- Open Settings, then Security & privacy, then Device unlock, then Fingerprint.
- Scan your fingerprint or enter your backup lock.
- To delete a fingerprint, tap Delete next to it. To rename one, tap it, type a new name and tap OK.
Source: Google Pixel Phone Help, How to unlock your Pixel phone with your fingerprint, https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/6285273 (read November 12, 2026). Steps can change, so check Google's page if your phone looks different.